Plans for 250 residential units at former boys home
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THERE are plans for the development of a 250-unit residential development at lands at the former boys’ home in Ballyfermot that was run by the Sons of the Divine Providence, with half of the development being aimed at housing senior citizens, and the other half for families on the housing list.
The plans are in their infancy, as planning permission has not yet been sought, but Sinn Féin councillor for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, Daithí Doolan, is spearheading the project and is part of a working group that also includes the Sons of the Divine Providence and Dublin City Council.
The site at the Sons of the Divine Providence at the Ranch in Ballyfermot
According to Cllr Doolan, it is hoped that movement will be made on the project within the next two years.
He told The Echo: “We want to develop [the project] to the highest possible standard for senior citizens, to encourage people to downsize, so the houses they vacate can be reallocated to families in Ballyfermot.
“It’s going to be a state-of-the-art, 21st century development. It will be an integrated housing development in the community.
“We are in the midst of a housing crisis…and we’re hoping that the community will see the advantages of a development at that site.”
Cllr Doolan added that, prior to seeking planning permission, he “feels very strongly” that the local community should be involved in the plans, however he said the next step is to get a design team to see what shape the development will take.
A family hub, which was set up in 2017 for homeless families who are on Dublin City Council’s housing list, is also on lands at the former boys’ home and houses 11 families, but Cllr Doolan said he is hopeful that, by the time the new development is considered, there won’t be a family hub at that location.
